Recently, Honda expanded its CB1000 platform internationally with the debut of the retro-styled CB1000F. This bike shares a lot of its fundamentals with the CB1000 Hornet but they’ve been retuned for this application. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all that’s different between the two CB1000 models. For the purposes of this story, we have considered the base variant of the Hornet, not the higher SP variant, as that is the more direct comparison.
Honda CB1000F vs CB1000 Hornet: design and styling
CB1000F draws design inspiration from yesteryear Honda bikes
The most obvious difference between the two bikes is how they look. The CB1000F draws inspiration from historical Honda models and adopts an uncluttered neo-retro design. With signature design elements like a round headlight, a flowing fuel tank, stepped single-piece seat and a long chromed-out exhaust muffler, the CB1000F is remarkably different from the machine it is based on.
On the other hand, the CB1000 Hornet is a textbook modern naked with a front heavy stance as well as a sharp and pointy rear end. The main point of difference between the two in terms of their chassis is the subframe, with the Hornet adopting a more steeply raked one tapering upwards whereas the CB1000F has a flatter one.
Honda CB1000F vs CB1000 Hornet: engine and output
CB1000F engine tuned for low and mid-range grunt
The CB1000F uses the same engine as the Hornet but with some significant changes. There are revised camshafts (for both the intake and exhaust), different intake specifications, a revised airbox and a new 4-2-1 exhaust system here. The result is an engine that makes lower peak output – 123.7hp at 9,000rpm and 103Nm of torque at 8,000rpm – compared to the Hornet (152hp at 11,000rpm / 104Nm at 9,000rpm).
Honda has also revised the CB1000F’s gear ratios with shorter first and second gears and taller third to sixth. The company claims that at 100kph in top gear, the CB1000F’s motor will be spinning at 4,000rpm, compared to the Hornet’s higher 4,300rpm.
Honda CB1000F vs CB1000 Hornet: features
CB1000F is more feature-rich and is priced higher too
While the 5-inch TFT display and switchgear are shared between the CB1000F and the Hornet, the former brings in a few more features. Both bikes share their suite of rider aids but the CB1000F ups the ante with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) bringing in lean-sensitive intervention into the mix. Unlike the Hornet, it has keyless ignition and like that bike (at least the standard variant), the bidirectional quickshifter is an optional extra.
In the UK market, the CB1000F is priced higher than even the higher-spec CB1000 Hornet SP. There’s no word yet on whether Honda will bring the CB1000F to India and if it does, expect it to follow a similar pricing strategy as international markets.
